IRDye BoneTag optical imaging agents are tetracycline derivatives that incorporate into mineralizing bone. Structural imaging of bone can be used to more precisely localize an area of disease. A second disease-specific targeting agent with a spectrally-distinct fluorescent label can be used to localize and track disease (such as a tumor) in the same animal. When the two images are overlaid, bone structure is displayed in one color and the other target appears in a different color.

IRDye 680RD BoneTag and IRDye 800CW BoneTag are part of the ready-to-use BrightSite™ optical agents family and make it easy to begin animal studies immediately. These bright fluorescent agents are labeled with IRDye fluorophores for NIR fluorescence optical imaging, and they target a variety of disease characteristics. Simply administer the agent, then image with any small animal imaging equipment with appropriate 680 nm or 800 nm filter sets. No engineered cells or animals are needed.